Jock Hernandez gets first win in 19 years

[SentToStud]

Constantino Hernandez won for the first time in many years after recently coming back from injury. He won five races on a card at Aqueduct as an apprentice in the early 80's. Nice story. I wish I knew more about the guy.



Jockey Hernandez Gets First Win in 19 Years
by: CRC Publicity
Miami Gardens, Fla. (August 5, 2007) --
Jockey Constantino Hernandez, 50, made headlines earlier this summer when he returned to riding racehorses after a 19-year absence due to a major injury endured at Calder on April 23, 1988.

On his 32nd mount of the meet, Hernandez got his first winner since his comeback, breaking the maiden of 2-year-old filly Trippin Lightly in the eleventh race on Saturday for Sarabia Ranch and trainer Manuel Criollo.

Dueling with jockey Laurie Gulas aboard Als Big Girl throughout the five and a half furlong race, Hernandez and Trippin Lightly prevailed in the end by a half-length.

“It took me 19 years, but I am so happy,” said Hernandez of the win. “Winning felt so good. Since coming back, I’ve been getting fitter every day.”


Hernandez also has four second place finishes and four third place finishes to his credit at the current meet. He rides in today’s third race at Calder.

[ALostTexan]

Did he get his bug? If you are off for 10 years, I believe you can come back with an apprecentice allowance (heard this directly from Chris McCarron at Del Mar).

[timmgirvan]

Now THAT'S Persistence!!

[golfer]

I saw his name in the program yesterday, knew it sounded familiar, but never would have thought it was the same guy.

[The Bid]

The way he rides it may be another 19 years till he wins AGAIN